Tennis Drills

Ok...it happened! I got sucked into the world of tennis. I fought it...hard...but it won! I finally went to my first "tennis drills" today. I was so mad...I LOVED IT! I really didn't want to like it but I did. Ugh!
Now I can't wait to get back on the court. Darn you, tennis!

Weekend with Friends and Family

This weekend was fun! We had dinner Friday night with Jeffrey's dad, sister, & brother-in-law at a hole in the wall called Chilito's. It wasn't bad food...pretty good!
On Saturday, I had the Super Saturday Event. I had to leave early because of Jake's soccer game.
Here is a picture of me and Melissa (we had spent all of Thursday together...which was so much fun!).
My brother and Laura (his wife) met us at the game (along with Mimi & Pops). You should have seen Jake's face when we cheered for him. He would just stand there and look at us with a huge grin on his face! He didn't know what to do with all the attention!! We then went to Snuffer's (OK...I worked out 11 days straight...I needed an reward!) and walked around Southlake. Will had a game at 4:45pm which was a lot of fun, too! He played super hard (I think to show off for his Uncle John Mark). That night, we had smoothies from Jamba Juice (to counter act the Snuffer's cheese fries).
On Sunday, I got to sing at Kids' Village and we went for a LONG walk to the park (I think we walked for 1 1/2 hours...yikes!). We went to dinner last night at Applebee's (a first for us)...it was OK...not sure I'll go back, though.
That was our weekend in a nut shell! Monday came way too soon!

Pumpkin Patch...Revisited

Ok...I saw all the cute pictures of my friends' kids at the Pumpkin Patch so I decided to try it one more year. Let me just say...my kids are officially too old. So sad!
Here are some cute pictures, though.
Can you tell they didn't want to take pictures?

R-E-S-P-E-C-T...

Find out what it means to me!"
Obviously, music is on the brain and I've now officially done way too many posts in one day! Sorry!
I had to "brag" real quick!
This month's Core Value at school is Respect. Guess who got the award for his class? WILL!!! We are so proud of him! He even got a free kids' meal to chick-fil-a which was used very quickly (CFA is a staple food in our home).
Will also got the Hawkeye Award which is awarded to one person from each class who shows kindness, is a good student, etc. each six weeks. Way to go, Will!
If that wasn't enough...he also got the Honor Roll (this is the first year they get that) for this 6 weeks! (He obviously gets that from his dad since his lowest grade was a 97)
AND...Perfect Attendance (which was an even bigger deal to him than all the rest...pretty funny, huh?)!!

Jake did super for his first 6 weeks in school, too! His grades were great, he got all greens for the month (didn't have a color change...a BIG deal to kindergarteners), and also got perfect attendance! Way to go, Jake!

Field Day

Here are some cute pictures from Field Day/Jog-a-thon last Friday. You can tell that Will is just like his mom...BOSSY! They both had a great time...of course! They could leave early (at 2pm) and go home with me. They didn't want to...they wanted to stay at school and ride the bus home. What? Who wants to stay at school? Obviously, they are doing great in school...just like their dad....SMART!

G-L-A-M-O-R-OUS

"First Class, Up In the Sky, Drinking Champagne, Living the Life..."
Well, not doing any of these things but I had to tell you a cute story!
For my birthday, the boys wanted to get me a Fergie purse (because they know how I like Fergie and unfortunately...so do they!)! Yes, she has her own line of purses. Jeffrey couldn't find them in time but brought home one for me two days ago.
Here is what it looks like: Is that not the ugliest thing you have ever seen? Jeffrey said it was the cutest of them all. Guess how much it cost? $148!!! I am not kidding!!! Fergie can sing great but her taste is not so "GLAMOROUS". The material is like something you would expect from JC Penney's (no offense JP) in the junior's department. It will be going back to Dillard's....

10 Day Slim Down

Melissa and I started a 10 Day Slim down last Tuesday. I can already see results! We're doing Turbo Jam and it is really fun! Two nights ago I couldn't sleep because the music kept playing in my head! Ugh! Can't wait to see what happens at the end of 10 days (well, it might be closer to 12 Days)! Here is what I am talking about:

Super Saturday Event

Want to find out more about what I am up to these days? Join me for some fun!!! It's FREE!!! Who can pass up FREE lunch?

My Own Money

It has been almost 8 years since I've had "my own money". I know...Jeffrey's money is my money and vice-versa BUT I haven't contributed monetarily to the "pot" since Will was born. Thankfully, that has changed!
With helping people through Million Dollar Body, I have been able to make "my own money". I now have my own business account which is SO MUCH FUN! I enjoyed getting my hair done (which costs $120...did you know that? crazy!), buying some new clothes (I love Forever 21!), going to visit my friend Melissa in Iowa, and taking my friends to lunch.
My goal now is to save money to purchase all the Christmas presents this year (Jeffrey has a BIG family so it gets expensive)! Isn't that cool? I am so grateful! I get to do something I love AND help my family out while doing it! It is nice to see work pay off. I now have over 1000 customers that I can help achieve their weight loss goals while they help me do the same (I was able to cancel my $100/month gym membership because I love doing the MDB workout videos at home). Pretty fun, huh?

Sick Boy and a Toddler

Jake is sick! He started complaining yesterday (on our way to Will's soccer practice) that he had a sore throat. He said it had started hurting the day before (why didn't he tell me?) I immediately thought, "Strep". Will was the exact same age when he started getting strep throat (and he has had it several times). October is the month when my kids ALWAYS get sick (March is another month). It must be something in the air. Most Halloweens my kids have had fever so we've spent them inside...watching the kids come and go while we sat inside.
We took Jake to the doctor last night and sure enough...he had "strep". Jeffrey said the nurse and the doctor said, "Eew" when they looked in his throat. Poor thing! He inherited getting strep from his mom (I finally had my tonsils out when I was almost 24). So, he is home today and very sad. He wanted to go to "Computer" today (which is the "specials" class for the day). No fever today yet but we'll keep you posted.

I have a toddler in the house. Did you know that? He is 13 months old and is into everything. I can't keep my eyes off of him because he will get into everything! He has to be occupied every second. The object is to wear him out so he sleeps well at night so we spend time going on walks 2+ times a day. He does nap pretty well so that is good. He still tries to wake up around 5:30am but we've managed to keep him in bed until around 6:30am. He can't go past that time because he is ready for his day to begin. Unfortunately, my "toddler" is my dog Eli. I do not have the patience I would if he was another child but lately it feels like we have another child. I wish I would have just had another child...

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my 34th birthday! Can you believe it? I woke up with my children and husband in my face with presents and cards!! What a great way to start your day!! After I opened the presents to find some cutie pie shoes (black pumps) picked out by my eldest son and a cute dress (brown banana republic dress) picked out by my husband, we were off to CB (our code for Corner Bakery which just opened on Monday) to have some breakfast. Yummy!
I dropped off the boys and headed home to go for a run with Eli! I thought about how I wanted to have some time with God outside enjoying His beauty. When I got home, I found a "surprise" left by Eli in his cage! Ugh! Not on my birthday!!! I put his leash on and headed for the "hills" to run. He threw up twice on my run but I kept running (I know...I'm mean...but he has a weak stomach and just ate something bad). When it started to get a little watery from the other end...I decided it was time to take him to the vet! So, that put me late for my birthday events! I bathed him, bathed myself, and took him to the vet. They let me drop him off (thank goodness) and I was hopeful I would never see him again (just kidding...kind of).
My sweet friend Julie picked me up after I finished getting dressed and we ran to the Nike store to return some things and I got my first tennis skirt! I'm going to drills on Monday...wish me luck!
Then, we were off to Brio in Southlake for lunch. I organized my own birthday lunch. I know that is so way dorky BUT I wanted an excuse to hang out with my friends...all of them. Sharon (my cousin), Julie, Shelly, Jean, and Sara were able to come (others sent their best wishes but couldn't make it) and we had so much fun! Thank you, girls!
Can I tell you how many calls and e-mails I got from my sweet friends (and family) all over the country (even my high school friends)? I am so blessed! Thank you so much for making me feel special on "my day"!!
Last night, we went to Uncle Julio's for dinner after picking up Eli at the vet (who was fine but had just eaten something that made his stomach upset...but who has a double ear infection). Yummy again! Did I say I ran that morning?
Anyway, it was a great birthday! Thank you again for making it so special!

I've Been Tagged...but I can't play the game!!!

I've been tagged by my sweet friend Kim. Unfortunately, I am unable to play the game. When Jeffrey set up my blog, he said I wasn't allowed to write about him. So, the questions from the game are all about him. Sorry! I will ask him again if I can so stay tuned!

Terry The Turtle

Terry the Turtle spent the weekend with us this past weekend. Terry gets to go home with a lucky student each week from Jake's class. You take him with you all weekend and then do a scrapbook at the end to tell about your adventures. Here are some pictures (I can't begin to tell you how hard it was to get these on this computer!)

Help! I have a new computer!!

Have you missed me? Well, I am now back and somewhat running. Why somewhat, you ask? I have a new computer and it doesn't like me!
Background...2 Sundays ago my sweet husband decided to add memory to my computer. He was dying to get a new one but the sensible side in him said, "Just put in more memory and it will be fine." I'm not sure if it was the "putting in the new memory" or the "vaccuuming out the inside" that did it but...it fried the mother board (I don't really even know what a mother board is but that is what the guy from the Geek Squad said it was). Bless Jeffrey's heart! I really don't think he did it on purpose (although he has been drooling over the new Apple computers for some time now).
So, we bought a refurbished Apple from the Apple site. I have not used an Apple since college and it is giving me fits! Crazy! I don't like change and this is a BIG ONE!
I have pictures to post but I don't know how to get them on the computer...sorry! Maybe I'll learn soon.
I don't have a calendar (because it was on my last computer) so if I miss a scheduled event...sorry!!
I am sort of out of sorts!!
Please be patient...I have a new computer!

We've Got Spirit...Yes We Do...We've Got Spirit...How about YOU?

Friday-

Friday was a big day! Jake had his first play date with his whole class at our house! He was so excited! To count down the days, he made a list of all the kids in his class who were coming to the party. He said he would mark them off the list when they arrived. That morning, he asked me if I would have on a purple dress for the party. I don't have a purple dress but he went to the closet to pick out the perfect dress for me to wear (the boys are really into me wearing dresses...it is really quite funny...I think it is the novelty of it since I am the only girl in the house).

10 kids came to the party and Jake was in heaven. They waited outside for each child to arrive. He would announce to me, "We have a new customer" as each one came inside. It was pretty cute! Mrs. Williams (their teacher) came to the party, too! You would have thought she was a rock star!!! It was so crazy that I forgot to take pictures...but I'm not sure I could have gotten them together long enough to take pictures...they were too busy playing!

That night we went to the new Shops at Highland Village. We were quite disappointed! None of the yummy restaurants were open yet and the "fun activiites" they promoted weren't that great either. So, we went to dinner at Village Grill with our friends the Lasaters. The funny thing was that Will got dressed up (he has this one shirt he thinks is "fancy"...it is a soccer jersey) because we were going to be with his friend who is very "special" to him...his BEST friend...who is NOT his "girlfriend" but a girl that is his friend. Hmmm? Why doesn't he dress up for the other people? Pretty cute!

Saturday-

We frantically tried to finish Will's project. He was to replicate a store in HV, Lewisville, or Flower Mound. He picked the new Corner Bakery (although it still isn't open yet...ugh!). We tried to make a gingerbread house ourselves but it fell apart. We went to Plan B...buy the kit! Here is how it turned out:

After that, we had to paint their faces (since we wouldn't do it the night before b/c there was a long line). Don't they have team spirit?

Will's team is Chaos & Jake's team is the Jaguars. They had fun at their games...neither one won but they looked cute (and they both played hard) so that is all that matters!

This weekend, I sang in Kids' Village (which is so fun). After this morning's services, we went to Southlake to eat at Snuffer's since our new Snuffer's isn't open yet. It is probably a good thing...I still need to lose a few pounds in order to get to my 2007 goals before 2008 begins...I only have 3 months! Yikes! Cheese Fries w/Bacon doesn't really help!

Somewhere In Middle America

(This is REALLY long but I just wanted to put down for myself all that I did and experienced...you don't have to read it...but feel free)
There is a song sung by Counting Crows called Omaha. It talks about it being "Somewhere In Middle America" and that song (or at least that part) rang through my mind this weekend while I ventured to "Middle America". I flew from DFW to Minneapolis to Rochester and then drove 1 1/2 hours to Decorah, Iowa. Melissa picked me up at the airport and we headed south to Decorah (which is about 15 minutes from the Minnesota border). We made a stop at the "Kwik Mart" and got some refreshments. Melissa showed me the "Cheese Curds" which are famous there (from Wisconsin). I realized I was no longer in Texas (however, they did have Diet Dr. Pepper in the fountain drink selection)!
The country side was beautiful. The leaves were changing and the smell of cattle would waft through the car every once in a while. The corn had already been harvested and dried stalks remained. The rolling hills, barns, silos, and John Deere tractors were something out of a picture book...but the picture book was just starting to unfold. We drove into the valley where Decorah was. The rolling hills with trees of red, green, orange, and gold surrounded. It was breath taking.
I am from Texas and small towns that I drive through on my way to Dallas, Austin, or Colorado are...OLD. Time has forgotten them and they seem like ghost towns of yesterday. It is really sad. So, that is what in my mind I picture a small town...especially one with the population of 8,000 (10,500 if you count the students at Luther College).
Decorah is much different. A river runs through the town and the downtown is a strip of cute, well-maintained store fronts. (Yes...I felt like I was in Mayberry and Andy Griffith was going to pop up at any time!!!)
We went to Melissa's house first and stopped by to say "hi" to Robert & Ty. Then, we headed downtown to visit "Trendz" (her store which I've been dying to shop at for 3 1/2 years!). It was so cute. I couldn't get over it! After that, we headed back to their house to play baseball with Ty before the storm rolled in.
For dinner, we went to Melissa's parents' house. It was amazing! Full of all the bells and whistles with a gorgeous bird's eye view of the town. We ate pizza and fried cheese curds before heading to the high school homecoming football game. Mind you...I was not in Texas. The school has 120 in each graduating class so the stadium was as small as junior high field in Texas. There was a band and cheerleaders but no drill team (Melissa and I were both in drill team in high school). After half time, we headed back to Melissa's house.
The next morning, Melissa and I took a long walk around the town which included the campus, the river, and cool homes. After the walk, we went to the Farmer's Market to buy some bread, fresh whole wheat pasta, cookies, etc. These were the farmers who grew them! So neat! There was no fresh herbs because of the freeze they had had a few weeks prior. After the Farmer's Market, we walked next door to Bryson's tag football game. After the game, we showered and headed downtown for lunch (Delicious coffee shop with the best herb pasta and sandwich I had ever had!), shopping, and helping at the Parent's Weekend reception that Melissa's store had a booth.
We then went for a bike ride with Melissa's mom (Jolene). What a beautiful ride! It was so relaxing! Then, we got dressed to go to dinner at La Rana. Can I tell you how YUMMY that dinner was? We shared Hummus (Ok...that was my first time to eat it and it was delish), Bruchetta, and Fennel Salad w/Candied Walnuts. The flavor was incredible. Then, we split a pasta dish and the "special" which was Pork Loin with Brie cheese and chutney & brussel sprouts over couscous. Oh, my!!! The flavor! I've never had a meal that flavorful...and I live in Dallas and used to live in Houston! You can't get better cuisine than that! (Or maybe it has been a long time since I've gone to a really good restaurant...the chain restaurants around me have seen my family too much lately). We had a great meal!
The next day, we went to the store to get some goodies for our canoe ride. Before the canoe ride, we had brunch at the college. Beautiful campus! Then, got dressed and headed out for the canoe ride. So fun! I'll have pictures soon...those were taken with a disposable camera. That night, we had hamburgers and (of course) CORN! You can't be in Iowa w/o experiencing it!
On Monday, we went for a walk and then got dressed for an early lunch and then shopping at Trendz where I bought such cute things!!! After that, it was time for our drive to the airport. My flight was delayed in Rochester and in Minneapolis so it took longer to get home than expected. The kids were sad that I didn't make it home in time but we've spent quality time together today (I took them both out for lunch today).
So...what can I say? I understand why my friends live in Decorah (although there was no snow at the time). It is a great town...full of art, beauty, and peaceful living. I now understand why people rent RVs to drive around this country...there really are some amazing parts and I hope to one day see more of this great country (and less of the drive from Dallas to Raton, NM).

DECORAH, IOWA

This is the slide show from my trip to Decorah, Iowa. I left on Friday morning and got home around 10:15pm last night (due to the delay at the airport). I have so much to write as I process what Decorah, Iowa is...

For now...enjoy the pics!

First Bored Day

Ok...today has been my first somewhat bored day being home alone. I've been overly busy until now. This morning, I finished my workout and shower by 9am. I then thought, "I haven't watched Regis & Kelly in years!". So, I sat on the couch eating my oatmeal watching Regis & Kelly. After that, I thought...what next?
I finished the little bit of work I had to do online. Thankfully, Melissa called and I talked to her for a while while cleaning up the kitchen & clutter. After that, Kelsi called and we caught up for an hour. (It was fun to talk to both of them, though. I've known them since our babies were born...now they are 7 1/2!! We've had many play group times together! Sadly, those days are over.)
What now?
Laundry.
Ok...my new "fancy", front loading washer takes FOREVER. So, laundry will take a while.
Don't want to go shopping and spend money because I want to save my money for this weekend...although Jeffrey suggested running to Forever 21...that might be tomorrow.
Hmmm?
I could start one of the many projects I want to do (make drapes for our bedroom, plant flowers and landscape our yard, paint the downstairs bathroom trim black, paint the kids' room, etc.)...but they all cost $.
I guess I'll run to Target to get paper for Jake's playdate invites and try not to spend any money. Good luck with that one...

People

As I am procrastinating from cleaning my house (well, I've already done 2 loads of laundry, cleaned 2 bathrooms, and cooked chicken for the pot pies I'm making), I sat down to ponder (while singing in my "in-my-mind-I'm-a-Rockstar" harmonizing voice...which I'm glad no one is around to hear b/c it might hurt their ears) my week with what has been brewing in my heart and mind.
My theme songs have been two fold the past 3 weeks:
The Way I Was Made by Chris Tomlin
and some other song about friends that I will have to find out who sings and write out the lyrics.
I've been thinking about how I was made. I am definitely "Unique". What floats my boat? People.
Is that weird? I love people. A good conversation can put me into a euphoric state. I'm weird, I know but that is how I am wired.
Examples of great conversations from Saturday on that left me rejuvenated...
a. A couple whose son is on Will's soccer team is from Nigeria. I had an amazing conversation with her at the soccer game (with her baby on her back like they do in Nigeria). Tears came to my eyes when she said she decided to follow Jesus as a high schooler (her father is Muslim and her mom is now a preacher in Nigeria). Wow! What a blessing that God is making my bubble break and my world smaller. I can't wait to go to Nigeria with her!
b. Hanging out with the Kids' Village "band" this weekend. I love getting to know people and their hearts...I was so energized!
c. Taking Stephanie to chemo on Monday and getting to hear her words of wisdom...and getting to eat some Pappasito's afterwards! Double blessing!!
d. Group Connect on Tuesday night...hanging out with Sarah...she is precious and I enjoyed getting to know her better.
e. Running into a couple I recognized from Group Connect on Wednesday night when they were sitting on the patio eating at Pazzo. I just randomly introduced myself and said, "Were y'all at Group Connect last night? I'm Stephanie." Total weird thing...they said they looked for me at Group Connect but couldn't find me. It was a "God thing" that we met that night.
f. Having my dog attack a lady's dog which brought about a 2 hour conversation about God, adoption, decorating, and cleaning house (yes, women have random choppy talk)...and a new friend who lives in the neighborhood!
There are so many more but these are the highlights. I think these are the times that God says...let me just fill your cup. And He does! I'm weird...I know!

Now I must finish the other 2 bathrooms, dust, vacuum, make dinner, and finish the laundry...thank goodness God filled my cup so I have energy to do it!

It's Hot In Here!

That was a song by Nelly a few years back (one of Jeffrey's favorite songs). Last weekend, the boys started soccer. Neither of them are too jazzed about playing but we made a family rule: Fall is Soccer and Spring is Baseball. We just wanted to make them do something that required exercise. No offense, baseball has SOME athletic benefits but cardiovascular...not so much. It wasn't good for the "soccer cause" that it was super hot outside this weekend. They both would prefer playing indoor soccer...unfortunately, the indoor field has been permanently closed...we are bummed, too! Here are some pics from Saturday: